Converting a LWB to 1-piece d/s - non technical

[1969K10]

So, over the years of being on this forum, I've seen many of you discussing converting your 2-piece d/s to a 1-piece. I never understood why anyone would want to do that, the 2-piece is so simple to work on (atleast the one's I've seen until this weekend).

Well, I grenaded the carrier bearing on the '68 (C10) Friday, and climbed under to remove the d/s and replace the bearing. I now understand why so many of you want to convert to a 1-piece d/s! What a PITA!!!

Ended up I couldn't get the u-joints out, so took it to my local d/s shop w/ my carrier bearing that I had on the shelf (knew I'd be replacing it someday). Went and had him do all 3 u-joints while he was at it.

Just thought I'd post something. I understand they were making due w/ a stock tranny off the shelf, but seems they'd have used a 2-piece set-up more like in my K10.